Galvanized steel slabs clad a wooden house in Japan

Designed by Case-Real, House in Higashi-Gotanda is defined by a uniform, reflective facade made of metal plates. A terrace protected by louvres is added to receive more air and light. 

House in Higashi-Gotanda is a property located in a small district near Tokyo counting about 10,000 inhabitants. The house, designed by Koichi Futatusmata and Yuki Ohnita of Case-Real studio, is distributed on two levels, on a total area of 192 square metres including a double garage. 

House in Higashi-Gotanda
Koichi Futatusmata, Yuki Ohnita (CASE-REAL), House in Higashi-Gotanda. Interiors. Photo Daisuke Shima

Instead of an internal courtyard, as initially requested by the owners, the architects proposed a terrace on the first floor: this insertion allows light to reach both levels, which is usually a challenging task considering the high residential density of the area.

The terrace is strategically placed on the opposite side of the staircase, that diffuses the reflected light from the ceiling to the ground floor. The open-air space becomes an added room thanks to a series of angled louvers that let air and light in, while offering a visul protection from the surrounding buildings.

House in Higashi-Gotanda
Koichi Futatusmata, Yuki Ohnita (CASE-REAL), House in Higashi-Gotanda. Photo Daisuke Shima

On the outside, the house is characterised by a galvanized steel cladding, which gives the wooden structure a solid and uniform appearance. Steel plates cover the facade producing continuous reflections; the same material is used for the finish of the garage door and for the louvers on the terrace. 

House in Higashi-Gotanda
Koichi Futatusmata, Yuki Ohnita (CASE-REAL), House in Higashi-Gotanda. Photo Daisuke Shima

Inside, due to the low ceiling height, indirect lighting was installed on the first floor in the centre of the double-pitched ceiling: a V-shaped plate runs the entire length of the room. The master bedroom and bathrooms are on the ground floor, while the living area and kitchen are on the first floor together with the studio.

Project:
House in Higashi-Gotanda
Location:
Tokyo, Japan
Program:
Private residence
Architects:
Koichi Futatusmata, Yuki Ohnita (CASE-REAL)
Design Cooperation, Construction:
Yoshida building firm
Lighting Plan:
Tatsuki Nakamura (BRANCH LIGHTING DESIGN)
Area:
192.74 sqm
Site area:
148.7 sqm
Completion:
2020

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